🎣 Back to Itoshiro – Our May Fishing Trip Begins – Experiences – Life

Almost exactly one year ago, Hiromi and I first set foot along the clear mountain streams of Itoshiro, guided by passionate local fishermen who introduced us to the beauty of river fishing. It was a gentle, quiet experience—learning to read the water, cast with care, and appreciate the natural rhythm of the river. That day left such a deep impression on us that we vowed to return. And now, we’re doing just that.

This Saturday, May 3rd, we’re heading back to Itoshiro—but this time, not as beginners. Our gear is ready. We’ve equipped ourselves with everything we need: proper rods, lines, and plenty of enthusiasm. Even one of Hiromi’s colleagues will be joining us, adding to the sense of shared adventure and learning.

🐟 Fishing Season in Itoshiro

We’re right in the heart of the fishing season. The amago trout—those elegant fish with their telltale red spots—are most active now. The season in Gifu’s mountain rivers typically starts on March 1st and runs through September, with spring rains bringing cooler, well-oxygenated waters that these trout love. May is one of the best months for this, especially in a place like Itoshiro, where the ecosystem is well-protected and thoughtfully managed.

📱 The Fish Pass App – A Must for Responsible Fishing

Since our first trip, we’ve been using the Fish Pass app, and we highly recommend it to anyone planning to fish in Japan. It’s not just convenient—it’s essential.

In Itoshiro, you must have a fishing permit, and Fish Pass makes that process seamless. You can buy your permit through the app, register your fishing activity, and make sure you’re fishing within the legal and ethical bounds of the region. The app also provides accidental insurance coverage, a welcome safety net when you’re out in the wild.

Even more importantly, Fish Pass supports sustainable fishing. It works closely with local cooperatives to manage fish stocks and promote responsible angling. By using it, we’re not only following the rules—we’re contributing to the conservation of these beautiful mountain rivers for future generations.

🚗 Day Trip Plan

We’ll leave from our home in Kasamatsu between 8 and 9 AM and head toward the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. After exiting at the Shirotori Interchange, it’s just a scenic drive through the mountains until we arrive at our fishing destination. We plan to spend the day immersed in the peaceful rhythm of casting, waiting, and maybe sharing a few quiet laughs when our lines get tangled.

We’re really looking forward to this day—not just for the fishing, but for the reconnection. With nature, with each other, and with a slower way of being that mountain rivers always seem to offer.

Stay tuned for photos and a follow-up story after the trip. Maybe even a few fish tales (we promise to keep them mostly true). The pictures you see here were from our last fishing adventure last year.

— Karl